A Republican bill that would block the Federal Communications Commission from regulating the rates that Internet Service Providers charge for broadband service has been passed by the House and has been sent to the Senate. Nevada County’s Congressman, Doug LaMalfa, is among the supporters. He says such regulation has the potential to curtail free speech rights and could also limit access, among other concerns…

The bill comes out of the FCC’s decision last year to reclassify broadband Internet services under Title-Two of the Telecommunications Act, so they would have the regulatory authority they need to prevent providers from giving priority to websites and services that pay special fees.